Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died after spending more than 20 years in a coma following a tragic car accident.
Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of billionaire investor Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. In 2005, while studying as a military cadet in London at the age of 15, he suffered severe brain trauma and internal injuries in a devastating road accident. Despite intensive treatment from top specialists in the U.S. and Spain, he never regained full consciousness.
For over two decades, the prince remained in a minimally responsive state, with rare, slight movements that offered flickers of hope. His father, Prince Khaled, steadfastly refused to withdraw life support, firmly believing in the possibility of a miracle and choosing to care for his son with unwavering faith.
The family often shared emotional moments online, showing the prince appearing to respond to Quranic recitations. These videos touched the hearts of many, drawing widespread sympathy and admiration from across the Arab world.
Prince Al Waleed passed away in a specialized medical facility in Saudi Arabia, prompting a national outpouring of grief. The hashtag #SleepingPrince quickly trended on social media, with thousands offering prayers and remembering him as a symbol of perseverance, hope, and a father’s enduring love.
His hospital room, often visited by relatives and well-wishers, had become a space of quiet devotion over the years. His long struggle left a lasting legacy of resilience and deep familial devotion that resonated far beyond the walls of his care facility.
